James Storm: Pursuit of Gold

Fifteen years. Nine championship reigns. Countless main event moments. Since the inception of IMPACT Wrestling in 2002, James Storm has done it all. An original member of the company from the beginning, he is without question one of the most decorated men who had ever stepped into the six-sided ring. Given all of his incredible accolades, two things seem fitting; that James Storm is challenging for the World Championship this Thursday on a live IMPACT on POP, and that the fans of IMPACT are the ones who voted him into that spot. James Storm has not held the World Championship since 2011 meaning he’s hungry, and with momentum and the fans behind him, this may be the moment that The Cowboy reclaims the throne and the top spot at IMPACT Wrestling.

James Storm has faced some of the most dangerous men in professional wrestling over the course of his illustrious career. Names like Kurt Angle, Bobby Roode and Eli Drake have all been on the receiving end of Storm’s “Last Call” super kick. He may, however, find his greatest challenge this week in the man who has been dominating the World Title scene as of late, four-time IMPACT World Champion, Lashley. The man who claims no one can beat him has been virtually flawless in defending his title against any and all challengers. Does Storm have what it takes to change the trajectory of the World Title scene and champion a team of men and women vowing to “Make Impact Great?” If you go directly to the source, he will tell you the answer is a resounding yes. As he humbly reminded EC3 on IMPACT not too long ago, “these hands and these shoulders are the ones that built this son of a _____.”

There is no denying that James Storm has more than earned his place in the history books of not only IMPACT Wrestling, but professional wrestling as a whole. His in-ring work is unparalleled and his intensity, charisma and Boozer Cruiser have made him a fan favorite in the IMPACT Zone for over a decade and a half. Undoubtedly a future Hall-of-Famer, James Storm could call it a career today and still have accomplished more than many will ever dream of in this sport. However, nine championships and fifteen years aren’t enough for the Cowboy. Being one half of the most legendary tag teams in the history of professional wrestling is not the end narrative James Storm wants for his career. Last week on IMPACT, Bruce Prichard announced to the world, and to James Storm, that he has the vote and support of the fans behind him. With that in mind, combined with a lethal Last Call super kick and a mind made up that he’s walking away champion, is there anything Lashley can do to defeat his next challenger and walk out still champion? James Storm has nothing to lose and everything to gain; a circumstance he welcomes and feels comfortable in. For the champion, Lashley, well… “Sorry, About Your D*mn Luck,” Champ! James Storm has every card in his hand needed to walk out of this week’s live IMPACT on POP as the new World Heavyweight Champion!